Usage patterns of short videos and social media among adolescents and psychological health: A latent profile analysis

Abstract

This study explored the usage patterns of short videos and social media (SVSM) among adolescents and their correlation with psychological health. We conceptualized SVSM using a multidimensional construct, including usage duration, number of friends, and emotional and life involvement, as a precursor to mental health. Using a sample of 1263 junior and senior high school students in China, unconditional latent profile analysis (LPA) and conditional LPA with the simultaneous inclusion of demographic covariates and distal outcomes were conducted. Four SVSM usage profiles were identified: low usage (35.6%), general usage (46.2%), high duration (8.4%), and many friends (9.7%). Significant grade and gender differences were found when comparing the profiles. Depression, fear of missing out, core self-evaluation, and life satisfaction differed across the four profiles. Higher depression, fear of missing out and lower core self-evaluation were found in both high duration and many friends, additionally, lower life satisfaction was found in many friends, suggesting a high risk for mental health. These findings highlight the need for parents, educators, clinicians, and researchers to understand the importance of appropriate use of SVSM. Early identification of SVSM use patterns could be an important component of effective strategies to prevent mental health problems in adolescents.